Contemplative, Calm & Comfortable...

STAY COOL, DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF,
STRESS FREE IS THE BEST WAY TO BE!

Well, how in the world...you say...can anybody stay calm during times like we are living in now? With the global climate changes, the strapped economy, all of the fraud, corruption and schemers bilking every Tom, Dick & Mary out of their hard earned cash...anybody in their right mind would say...it's nearly impossible to not be completely stressed out!


And, we are hard-wired to react to any perceived, imagined or real threat to our physical or emotional welfare. Our body/mind, soul/spirit knows how to take care in times of danger and it reacts quickly and early to danger, in order to be as prepared as possible. Every cell of our being gears up to RUN away from the attack which takes a lot of energy and requires immediate ACTION.

When our world was more prehistoric, our ancestors had to respond quickly to several threats of a physical nature. Our bio physiologic responses were reinforced over and over by the numerous threats during day to day survival. This hard-wired response system became perfected and explains why when a car falls on a mechanic, his co-worker can muster up the strength to lift the car and free them from the 700 - 1K Lb vehicle.


This heightened response system remains with us today, even when the threats to our survival are not as immediately physical in nature, as they once were. Some of us react very strongly to tragedy we hear about in the news which can cause the stress-response cycle to be set in motion. When we hear stories about global warming, the economy and all of the environmental warnings or any POSSIBLE (not ACTUAL) threat, our system gears up. We may not even be aware of the cycle but we can be sure it is there and working over-time. Especially if we are the sensitive type (me included) if we are not careful, we can go around processing, registering and reacting to every news report, sad story, off-color comment or problems of others we encounter on a daily basis. Conscious awareness and choosing to react or to not react, is key.

Some of the tools that are helpful to gain leverage and to be able to spend your day in a calm state are just that...REMAINING CONSCIOUS and CHOOSING TO NOT REACT. Also, you could take a time-out when you sense yourself feeling anxious or agitated and ready to react to something that is JUST NOT WORTH IT. BREATHE DEEPLY, INHALE, EXHALE, INHALE, EXHALE FULLY and LAUGH at the situation. It is one of life's little challenges and you have tools you can draw upon. Diaphragmatic breathing is magic and works on the stress cycle immediately to help with immediate relaxation. It seems too simple...and it is...but it does work.

Another tip is to stop what you are doing, sit back comfortably, close your eyes and imagine a peaceful setting that you feel warm and safe in. Breathe deeply and remind yourself that we are all directly connected to a great and mighty life-force that is all powerful, and we are safe. Exhale long and slowly.

Remember, REACTING IS A CHOICE...we don't have to respond to everything. Don't sweat the small stuff. It's good to have empathy when bad things happen to others and to say a little prayer, but to focus on it is to reinforce the negative body/mind responses. Healthy boundaries to let go of and to choose to not allow other's problems to become your own, is vitally important to maintaining your calm, cool and to be collected...to handle the issues that life gives to you. Every obstacle has a lesson, blessing and is life's way of preparing us for our next step.

If the situation is unbearable and not reacting is impossible to counteract the stress, simply leave the situation and take a break. It is your right to protect yourself from a harmful, stressful situation.

Exercises to invoke CALM:

1) Take a time-out. Remove yourself from
over-stimulating situations - STRETCH...

2) Stay consciously aware and practice not reacting

3) Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
(a great book you can find on... http://www.amazon.com

4) Say a little prayer for those who suffer tragedy then, let it go

5) Practice deep, slow inhale & exhale breaths
(if dizzy take a break)



6) Close your eyes and imagine a warm, comfortable setting
(at the beach)

7) Develop a trust for the power of Life Force
(God or whatever you believe)

8) Develop a one-line saying to repeat in times of stress
(I am safe & healthy)

9) Reach out if you feel isolated...people love to help others...

10) Find one thing to be grateful for each day...

11) AND...REMEMBER TO LAUGH!

For More Information:

Heart & Soul Elder Care Management & Consulting Services
Trish Mairet, MA, MFTI, CMC
Marin, Sonoma & Napa Counties
North Bay San Francisco, CA





HEART and SOUL HOME CARE

and CARE MANAGEMENT

MARIN: 415 - 497 - 5110   -  SONOMA 707- 490 - 6576



  EMAIL US FOR CONSULTATION